Using an electric blanket as a propagator

[MyWifesBrassicas]

Has anyone tried using an electric blanket as a propagator?
Essentially it's just soil warming cables sewn into the blanket.

[veggiechicken]

Its been asked before..............

https://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gr...use_61206.html

[MyWifesBrassicas]

wary thoughts, I know.
But something that is sold to be slept on undergoes very rigorous tests.
They use 40-50 watts, can be washed and tumble dried, sweated and urinated on without risk of danger.
Seems plausible.

[veggiechicken]

I think I asked the same question, with the same reasoning as yours, but was advised not to.
Can't find the thread though.

[MyWifesBrassicas]

I might have find one and try it out.
The image is a silent night one and looks remarkably like soil warming cables inside a fabric membrane.

[Snadger]

Putting the plants under the duvet between you and OH in the bed will give the same results!

[lottie dolly]

wary thoughts, I know.
But something that is sold to be slept on undergoes very rigorous tests.
They use 40-50 watts, can be washed and tumble dried, sweated and urinated on without risk of danger.
Seems plausible.

I would not do it,just think about it,if any of the above happen,they are dealt with fairly quickly,any moisture thats perminantly present,has every chance of finding it's way along the wires,same as water leaks and pipe work,another big thing is,the blankets are not meant to be on none stop,only a limited time,i would not mind betting that the soil warming cables are made of different outer coating,and therefore thicker,if you tried to use one under a tray,then it would surly not be effitient as it would be a barrier,to the heat,also proporgators and soil cables are enclosed in a concentrated area,just my thoughts,some use airing cupboards if you have one,others use the heat from Radiators,by placing your container near the heat,not on top of it,i would however benefit from a cover,poly bag ext.

[MyWifesBrassicas]

I think we have an inert fear of electric blankets, this calls for an investigation.
You maybe right about the cables, i'll pick up a second hand one and look.
They have a rheostat/thermostat and turn off when the require temp has been reached, so won't be on all the time. Just read the guidelines and they can be slept on whilst being heated. also there doesn't appear to have any weight restrictions, not that I'm going to put 15 stone of soil onto it.

[quanglewangle]

• Turn if off each time you go near it
• Use an RCD
• Get a smoke/high temperature alarm
• Ponder over your fire insurance. Imagine a conversation over the claim: "...run that by me again. You used an electric blanket for what, exactly?"

Other than that, fine...

[MyWifesBrassicas]

• Turn if off each time you go near it
• Use an RCD
• Get a smoke/high temperature alarm
• Ponder over your fire insurance. Imagine a conversation over the claim: "...run that by me again. You used an electric blanket for what, exactly?"

Other than that, fine...

Just proper giggled to myself reenacting the phone message to the insurance Co.

[veggiechicken]

Putting the plants under the duvet between you and OH in the bed will give the same results!

Just imagine the conversation.

Did you just water the seeds because the bed is wet?

I think my cucumber has germinated!

....................

[lottie dolly]

Just proper giggled to myself reenacting the phone message to the insurance Co.

if you have an alexa,turn it of,just in case it's listening in hehehe.

[Kirk]

Seems a bit excessive, mainly for size.
The other aspect would be it heats but wasn't intended for standing plant trays on and the possible problems the different use can introduce.

Would have thought that a heat tray for standing demijohns on for wine making was a better option. Thinking one of those and a plug in timer set for say 30 minutes on, 30 minutes off.

Sometimes there is a sensible limit to what can be utalised. I know another area where people have spent more money trying to get something modified to accomplish a purpose then just buying the right equipment initially. And they never get the results the proper dedicated equipment does.

Maybe it could be less cost, easier and better to buy a heated propogator from Wilko.